Tbilisi Self-Guided (GPS) Audio Walking Tour, Georgia - Old Town Magic, History & Culture
Places: 37 POIs
Distance: 2.6 mi
Duration: 2h:06m
GPS-guided narration through
Your Smartphone
Tour #2218
Tbilisi Old Town: Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour of History & Culture incl. Bridge of Peace
About this English self-guided 2h:06m walking tour in Tbilisi
Hello and welcome to this UCPlaces tour of Tbilisi Georgia, the vibrant capital where history, culture, and modernity blend seamlessly. My name is Dave, and it will be my pleasure being your co-pilot today.
We begin our walking tour at Rustaveli Avenue, the city's grand boulevard, near the magnificent Tbilisi Opera House, a symbol of 19th-century elegance. From here, we'll make our way through the lively streets, crossing the scenic Kura River with its stunning views of old and new Tbilisi. As we stroll back across the bridge, the city's ancient heart beckons, where we'll explore the iconic Sulphur baths that have soothed travelers for centuries. Our journey concludes at Liberty Square, a bustling hub steeped in the spirit of freedom and independence, offering a perfect reflection of Tbilisi's rich heritage.
Our tour today runs roughly 2 and half miles, so I hope you brought your comfortable walking shoes. If you don’t feel like going the distance, you can always explore selected portions of the tour. Follow your GPS, and we will begin shortly.
Our location here on Rustaveli is a good place to start, as we are near many hotels, as well as public transportation stops.
Everyone ready? And, here, we, go…
Top landmarks on this tour
Anchiskhati Basilica- Bridge of Peace
- Metekhi Church
- Opera House
- Mother of Georgia Tramway
- Sulphur Bath Houses
- 1For the best experience, begin at the tour's recommended starting point and follow the stops in order.
- 2Want to start somewhere else? Simply use Start At on the tour screen, before tapping Start Tour, to begin from any stop.
- 3Need to detour or skip a stop along the way? Tap Tour Assistant (
![UCPlaces AI Bot Icon]()
) to use Force Play, Skip, and Back, for full flexibility.
) to use Force Play, Skip, and Back, for full flexibility.
Route Preview
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Places (POIs) visited during this tour
Place #1
![Map Pin]()
Recommended Starting Point
Distance: 0.08mi
, Attraction : Statues
MQXW+VQ9, Shota Rustaveli Ave, T'bilisi, Georgia
The Bronze Statues of Tbilisi
Something to keep your eye out for on Rustaveli, are the The Bronze Statues of Tbilisi, a series of public sculptures scattered throughout the city, contributing to its unique charm and artistic landscape. These statues depict historical figures, everyday people, and moments from Georgian culture, offering an intimate connection to the city's past and present.
One of the most iconic bronze statues is the "Berikaoba," located on Rustaveli Avenue. It represents performers from a traditional Georgian masquerade festival, symbolizing celebration and humor. Another well-known bronze figure is the "Tamada," situated in the Old Town. The Tamada is a Georgian toastmaster holding a wine goblet, symbolizing the important role of toasting and hospitality in Georgian culture. The picture you see on your app is of this charming toastmaster.
You’ll also find statues that celebrate everyday life, such as the "Old Tbilisi Men," depicting older men sitting and talking, or "Women Selling Flowers," which highlights the city’s street vendors. These statues not only beautify the city but also tell stories of Georgian traditions, personalities, and social life, giving passersby a glimpse into the heart of Tbilisi.
One of the most iconic bronze statues is the "Berikaoba," located on Rustaveli Avenue. It represents performers from a traditional Georgian masquerade festival, symbolizing celebration and humor. Another well-known bronze figure is the "Tamada," situated in the Old Town. The Tamada is a Georgian toastmaster holding a wine goblet, symbolizing the important role of toasting and hospitality in Georgian culture. The picture you see on your app is of this charming toastmaster.
You’ll also find statues that celebrate everyday life, such as the "Old Tbilisi Men," depicting older men sitting and talking, or "Women Selling Flowers," which highlights the city’s street vendors. These statues not only beautify the city but also tell stories of Georgian traditions, personalities, and social life, giving passersby a glimpse into the heart of Tbilisi.
Place #2
![Map Pin]()
Distance: 0.10mi
, Attraction : Historic Church
12a Shota Rustaveli Ave, T'bilisi, Georgia
Kashueti Church
It looks like a pantheon of buildings here on Rustaveli. Well, that’s because it is! One after the other after the other. Coming up on the left is the National Gallery, one of the prime venues for Georgian fine art. It is named after Dimitri Shevardnadze, a prominent Georgian painter and art historian. The gallery primarily focuses on Georgian art, displaying works from famous Georgian artists such as Niko Pirosmani, Elene Akhvlediani, and Lado Gudiashvili.
The gallery showcases both permanent and temporary exhibitions, and it is known for its collection of 19th- and 20th-century Georgian art, offering an insight into the cultural and artistic movements that shaped Georgia’s visual identity. Visitors can explore different artistic styles, from the romantic and realistic to the avant-garde, with Pirosmani’s folk art being a particular favorite among locals and tourists alike.
Next up is Kashveti Church of St. George, one of Tbilisi’s most beautiful and historically significant Orthodox Christian churches. Located directly across from the Parliament of Georgia. The church’s name, Kashveti, derives from a Georgian legend, meaning "to give birth to a stone" (kva meaning "stone" and shva meaning "to give birth").
The church is associated with a local legend from the 6th century involving St. David Garejeli, one of the 13 Assyrian Fathers who brought Christianity to Georgia. According to the story, a false accusation was made against St. David by a woman claiming he had impregnated her. To prove his innocence, David prophesied that the woman would give birth to a stone, which she did, thus clearing his name. The name Kashveti reflects this miraculous event.
The current structure of Kashveti Church was built between 1904 and 1910, designed by Georgian architect Leopold Bilfeldt. Its architecture follows the traditional Georgian Orthodox style, modeled after the famous 11th-century Samtavisi Cathedral. The church's exterior is constructed from pale stone, featuring elegant arches and a striking central dome.
Inside, the church is adorned with beautiful frescoes by the renowned Georgian painter Lado Gudiashvili, added during restoration in the mid-20th century. The frescoes, done in a distinctive, modernized Georgian style, depict various religious scenes and saints, showcasing the deep connection between Georgian art and the Orthodox faith.
The gallery showcases both permanent and temporary exhibitions, and it is known for its collection of 19th- and 20th-century Georgian art, offering an insight into the cultural and artistic movements that shaped Georgia’s visual identity. Visitors can explore different artistic styles, from the romantic and realistic to the avant-garde, with Pirosmani’s folk art being a particular favorite among locals and tourists alike.
Next up is Kashveti Church of St. George, one of Tbilisi’s most beautiful and historically significant Orthodox Christian churches. Located directly across from the Parliament of Georgia. The church’s name, Kashveti, derives from a Georgian legend, meaning "to give birth to a stone" (kva meaning "stone" and shva meaning "to give birth").
The church is associated with a local legend from the 6th century involving St. David Garejeli, one of the 13 Assyrian Fathers who brought Christianity to Georgia. According to the story, a false accusation was made against St. David by a woman claiming he had impregnated her. To prove his innocence, David prophesied that the woman would give birth to a stone, which she did, thus clearing his name. The name Kashveti reflects this miraculous event.
The current structure of Kashveti Church was built between 1904 and 1910, designed by Georgian architect Leopold Bilfeldt. Its architecture follows the traditional Georgian Orthodox style, modeled after the famous 11th-century Samtavisi Cathedral. The church's exterior is constructed from pale stone, featuring elegant arches and a striking central dome.
Inside, the church is adorned with beautiful frescoes by the renowned Georgian painter Lado Gudiashvili, added during restoration in the mid-20th century. The frescoes, done in a distinctive, modernized Georgian style, depict various religious scenes and saints, showcasing the deep connection between Georgian art and the Orthodox faith.
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Tour itinerary stops | Additional places you'll see on this self-guided tour
Place 1
The Bronze Statues of Tbilisi
Place 2
Kashueti Church
Place 3
Parliament
Place 4
Soviet Occupation and Georgian National Museum
Place 5
Museum of Books
Place 6
Orbeliani Square
Place 7
Old Town Ruins and Tbilisi City Wall
Place 8
Story Time
Place 9
The Gabriadze Theatre
Place 10
Cuisine
Place 11
Kura River
Place 12
The Dancing Fountains
Place 13
Fortress of Isani
Place 14
Berlin Wall Memorial
Place 15
The Statue of King Vakhtang Gorgasali
Place 16
Sololaki Hill
Place 17
Coffee Culture
Place 18
Waterfall Square And Gorge
Place 19
Wine Ice Cream
Place 20
Architecture
Place 21
Picture Time and Gorgasali Square
Place 22
Shardeni Street
Place 23
Sioni Street
Place 24
Urban Legends
Place 25
Museum of History of Georgian Jews
Place 26
Royal District Theatre
Place 27
Voronya Cave
Place 28
Anchiskhati Basilica
Place 29
Bridge of Peace
Place 30
Metekhi Church
Place 31
Opera House
Place 32
Mother of Georgia Tramway
Place 33
Sulphur Bath Houses
Place 34
Rike Park
Place 35
Clock Tower
Place 36
Liberty Square
Place 37
The Zion Cathedral of the Dormition
Click below for full access to this tour
Have any questions about this tour? Or a general travel / self-guided tours question? That's completely natural
+ How long does this tour take?
Most travelers complete this tour in approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on pace, time spent at each stop, and optional detours. Having said that, please remember that self-guided tours are extremly flexible (you can start, pause, continue anytime) and everyone has their own pace.
+ What does this tour include?
This self-guided walking tour includes 37 stops, covering top attractions such as The Bronze Statues of Tbilisi, Kashueti Church, Parliament, Soviet Occupation and Georgian National Museum, Museum of Books.
+ Where does the tour start?
The tour starts at The Bronze Statues of Tbilisi (Address: MQXW+VQ9, Shota Rustaveli Ave, T'bilisi, Georgia). You can begin the tour there or join from any stop along the route.
+ What type of tour is this?
This is a self-guided walking tour designed to be completed on foot through walkable areas and city highlights.
+ Can I do this tour at my own pace?
Yes, this is a self-guided walking tour, so you can start anytime and explore at your own pace. You can pause, skip stops, or spend more time at places that interest you. You can even split it into multiple days. Explore however feels right for you.
+ Is this a walkable tour?
Yes, this tour is fully walkable and designed to follow a comfortable route through pedestrian-friendly areas.
+ Do I need anything in order to take the tour?
There is one thing that you need - A mobile phone (with the UCPlaces app installed and active location services, and a cellular data plan with a decent signal for downloading the tour) and comfortable walking shoes! But here are some recommendations for a great experience: 1. Make sure your phone is fully charged and bring a mobile charger/battery. 2. Bring earphones for the best experience. 3. Bring a bottle of water and dress appropriately according to the weather forecast.
+ How will I navigate from point to point during the tour?
The tour uses GPS-based navigation through the UCPlaces app, with automatic audio playback and step-by-step directions between stops. Just follow the route (cross streets carefully using crosswalks) and listen to the audio guide. Use the resume feature to continue the from where you recently stopped (or closed the app). Easily skip or go back to stops.
+ What known landmarks and main sites does this tour have?
The top landmarks and main sites on this tour include Anchiskhati Basilica, Bridge of Peace, Metekhi Church, Opera House, Mother of Georgia Tramway and Sulphur Bath Houses. In total, the tour has 37 points of interest along the route.
+ Is this tour suitable for families or groups?
Yes, self-guided tours are ideal for families and small groups, allowing everyone to explore comfortably without being tied to a fixed schedule.
+ What makes a self-guided tour better than a guided tour?
Self-guided tours are more flexible, affordable, and personalized. You can avoid crowds, choose your pace, and focus on the stops that interest you most.
+ I installed the app and it's now asking for GPS and media access permissions, why?
The app is your tour-guide, it needs to know where you are located on the map to be able to trigger the points of interest. It also needs access to audio and media files to provide you with this experience.
+ What happens if there are unexpected roadblocks or navigation issues?
We have been working hard to deliver a great experience. Though you may run into unexpected obstacles (the world is constantly changing), our app has multiple features and mechanisms in place to help you overcome them, including: AI assistance, force play an audio if you can't reach the stop, skip or return to stops, automatic rerouting and more.
+ Can I take the tour in my language?
Though all of our tours are primarily in English, many tours are muyltilingual (including: Spanish, German, Portuguese, French, Japanese, Hebrew, French, Arabic and more...). The tour language options depend on the specific tour - You can easily check which languages are available in the tour screen!